Natural hazards of the South West Pacific islands

The islands of the South West Pacific have different natural and cultural environments from both New Zealand and Australia.

❑ They have a tropical climate, are surrounded by ocean, and consist mainly of small volcanic islands and coral atolls. 

❑ Population distribution and cultural processes expose Pacific Islanders to a range of natural hazards. 

❑ Their most common extreme natural events are tropical cyclones, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis and droughts.